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Media release

Media release

Absa Continues Its 23-Year Legacy as Proud Sponsor of the Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees (KKNK)

3 April 2025

Absa is proud to reaffirm its long-standing commitment to South Africa’s vibrant arts scene with the renewal of its partnership with the Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees (KKNK), one of the country’s most iconic cultural festivals. As a dedicated sponsor for 23 years, Absa continues to use this platform to empower artists, uplift communities, and celebrate creative excellence, ensuring that the arts remain a driving force for inspiration and growth across the nation.

Since its inception in 1995, KKNK has grown to become South Africa’s second-oldest national arts festival and the largest Afrikaans arts festival — a true beacon of creativity, culture, and expression. Each year, the festival transforms Oudtshoorn into a bustling hub of activity, attracting thousands of festival-goers for a week filled with music, theatre, visual arts, and more.

This year marks the 29th edition of KKNK, taking place from 1–6 April 2025. As always, Absa is committed to ensuring that the festival not only showcases incredible talent but also offers a space where stories come to life. With a variety of programs, performances, and cultural experiences, Absa continues to reaffirm its belief that every individual’s story deserves a stage.

Jabulile Nsibanyoni, Absa Head of Sponsorship, said: “We are deeply committed to investing in the arts by supporting initiatives like the Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees (KKNK). For 23 years, we have proudly been a steadfast sponsor of this festival, using it as a platform to uplift communities, celebrate artistic expression, and promote cultural diversity across the nation. Most importantly, KKNK allows us to unearth and nurture new talent, ensuring that the arts continue to thrive for future generations.”

A key highlight of the festival is the Absa Kuierkamer, the main hospitality hub, which will once again serve as a vibrant center for relaxation, connection, and entertainment. The Absa Kuierkamer will feature a dynamic daily program, including intimate My Story afternoon concerts, where musicians share their music and personal journeys with festival-goers.

Additionally, the Absa Rooibanksessies, hosted by the charismatic Hannes van Wyk, will bring together a different panel of popular personalities each day to share stories, insights, and future plans. These engaging sessions will offer attendees the chance to connect with their favorite public figures in an intimate setting.

As the sun sets, the Absa Kuierkamer will transform into an intimate venue for unplugged music sessions and dinner experiences, offering a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy the arts in an unforgettable setting.

Absa’s support extends beyond the arts, with ongoing active force for good initiatives to empower communities. One notable example is the growth of the veggie gardens initiative in Oudtshoorn, where over 1000 children are able to receive meals cooked from the veggies grown in the gardens. Originally starting with just one garden, the number has now expanded to nearly four, thanks to Absa’s continued support. This is a testament to the meaningful impact the bank’s efforts have on the local community, reinforcing its broader mission to empower Africa’s future by fostering both literacy and inclusivity through sustainable projects.

Jabulile Nsibanyoni added: “Our brand promise, Your Story Matters, resonates deeply with initiatives like these veggie gardens, which highlight our commitment to being an active force for good in communities. It’s about making a lasting impact, one story at a time, and helping to build stronger relationships with our clients and stakeholders.”

In addition to the partnership, Absa ran a talent search for young performers to showcase their talents at the 2025 KKNK, with the support of radio partners. This call for talent was successful, and it has allowed young artists to become part of the Absa experience at the festival, further enriching the cultural offering.

The KKNK offers something for everyone, from stage productions and stand-up comedy to dance performances, children’s entertainment, visual arts, talks, book discussions, and more, spread throughout the town of Oudtshoorn. Absa invites the public to join in this celebration of South Africa’s rich artistic culture. Because, at the KKNK, every story deserves a stage.

3 April 2025

Absa is proud to reaffirm its long-standing commitment to South Africa’s vibrant arts scene with the renewal of its partnership with the Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees (KKNK), one of the country’s most iconic cultural festivals. As a dedicated sponsor for 23 years, Absa continues to use this platform to empower artists, uplift communities, and celebrate creative excellence, ensuring that the arts remain a driving force for inspiration and growth across the nation.

Since its inception in 1995, KKNK has grown to become South Africa’s second-oldest national arts festival and the largest Afrikaans arts festival — a true beacon of creativity, culture, and expression. Each year, the festival transforms Oudtshoorn into a bustling hub of activity, attracting thousands of festival-goers for a week filled with music, theatre, visual arts, and more.

This year marks the 29th edition of KKNK, taking place from 1–6 April 2025. As always, Absa is committed to ensuring that the festival not only showcases incredible talent but also offers a space where stories come to life. With a variety of programs, performances, and cultural experiences, Absa continues to reaffirm its belief that every individual’s story deserves a stage.

Jabulile Nsibanyoni, Absa Head of Sponsorship, said: “We are deeply committed to investing in the arts by supporting initiatives like the Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees (KKNK). For 23 years, we have proudly been a steadfast sponsor of this festival, using it as a platform to uplift communities, celebrate artistic expression, and promote cultural diversity across the nation. Most importantly, KKNK allows us to unearth and nurture new talent, ensuring that the arts continue to thrive for future generations.”

A key highlight of the festival is the Absa Kuierkamer, the main hospitality hub, which will once again serve as a vibrant center for relaxation, connection, and entertainment. The Absa Kuierkamer will feature a dynamic daily program, including intimate My Story afternoon concerts, where musicians share their music and personal journeys with festival-goers.

Additionally, the Absa Rooibanksessies, hosted by the charismatic Hannes van Wyk, will bring together a different panel of popular personalities each day to share stories, insights, and future plans. These engaging sessions will offer attendees the chance to connect with their favorite public figures in an intimate setting.

As the sun sets, the Absa Kuierkamer will transform into an intimate venue for unplugged music sessions and dinner experiences, offering a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy the arts in an unforgettable setting.

Absa’s support extends beyond the arts, with ongoing active force for good initiatives to empower communities. One notable example is the growth of the veggie gardens initiative in Oudtshoorn, where over 1000 children are able to receive meals cooked from the veggies grown in the gardens. Originally starting with just one garden, the number has now expanded to nearly four, thanks to Absa’s continued support. This is a testament to the meaningful impact the bank’s efforts have on the local community, reinforcing its broader mission to empower Africa’s future by fostering both literacy and inclusivity through sustainable projects.

Jabulile Nsibanyoni added: “Our brand promise, Your Story Matters, resonates deeply with initiatives like these veggie gardens, which highlight our commitment to being an active force for good in communities. It’s about making a lasting impact, one story at a time, and helping to build stronger relationships with our clients and stakeholders.”

In addition to the partnership, Absa ran a talent search for young performers to showcase their talents at the 2025 KKNK, with the support of radio partners. This call for talent was successful, and it has allowed young artists to become part of the Absa experience at the festival, further enriching the cultural offering.

The KKNK offers something for everyone, from stage productions and stand-up comedy to dance performances, children’s entertainment, visual arts, talks, book discussions, and more, spread throughout the town of Oudtshoorn. Absa invites the public to join in this celebration of South Africa’s rich artistic culture. Because, at the KKNK, every story deserves a stage.